Milton B. Burright (1815-1905) Obituary

Obituary: Oregon paper: October 25, 1905:

Oregon Loses Pioneer Citizen
Milton Burright, Who Came to Ogle County in the 30's, Called to Rest.
Passed Away at His Home Saturday Night, Aged Nearly 90 Years

Milton Buright, one of Oregon's oldest, best-known and most highly respected citizens died Saturday evening at his home, corner South Third and Adams streets, after an illness of several weeks. His last illness was due to a general wearing out of the system, following a long, active and useful life, and during his last days before his death he retained the faculties of a bright mind that during his entire life time made him a pleasant and agreeable companion and associate. Had Mr. Burright lived until next Christmas he would have been 90 years old.
The deceased was born near Schenectady, N.Y., December 25, 1815. He moved to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, with his parents when an infant where he resided until 1823 when he moved to Licking County, Ohio. Later removing to Van Wert County, Ohio, he entered a claim of 80 acres of timber and remained for a short time. For eight years he spent the greater part of the time in Mississippi and Louisiana, going there to spend his winters when he first came to northern Illinois. His first summer here was spent at Grand Detour and the second at Dixon. In 1838 he bought a claim of three quarters section of land in Pine Rock Township. He spent the following winter in the south and returned to his claim in the spring of 1839 where he remained and made his home until his removal to Oregon about twenty-four years ago. Mr. Burright's first home was a log house of the most primitive style. He later built another log house somewhat more modern which he occupied until the erection of a commodious brick dwelling, the first of the kind to be built between St Charles and Dixon. His first two crops of grain he hauled to Chicago with ox teams, being several days on the road.
With but little schooling in his early days, Mr. Burright made up for lost time by extensive reading. He was always deeply interested in all matters of a public nature and exerted his influence for much good. In politics, he was a staunch Republican.
He joined the Masonic order at Franklin Grove forty-four years ago, afterward belonging to the Ashton lodge and later transferring to Oregon, being one of the oldest members of the order in Ogle County. Mr. Burright was a member of the Christian Church at Washington Grove and since his residence in Oregon has been identified with the M.E. Church.
Mr. Burright was first married October 24, 1839, in Lafayette Township to Miss Susanna Drummond, who died August 24, 1873. Nine children were born of this union. Two died in infancy and T.S. died at Dixon a little over a year ago. The children living are Mrs. Sarah O. Acker of Pine Rock Township, John of Taylor County, Iowa, Thornton of North Dakota, Albert, residing on part of the old home farm near Chana, Jeanette, wife of Oscar Dugdale, and Mary, wife of Charles Dailey, both of Pine Rock township. Besides the six children, the deceased is survived by thirty-four grandchildren and twenty great-granchildren. Mr. Burright's second marriage occurred February 10, 1875, to Mrs. Judith Rinker, a sister of his first wife, and who survives.
Mr. Burright not only raised his own children in comfort, giving them good educations, but also reared several of his kindred who were left homeless. He was a kind and loving husband and father, a good neighbor and a true friend, and his loss is keenly felt not only by the bereaved family but by the entire community.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at 12:30 o'clock at the M.E. Church, members of the Masonic Lodge and a large number of relatives and friends being in attendance. The remains were taken to Washington Grove Cemetery for interment.[ this should read Lafayette Cemetery or old Chapel Hill Cemetery just east of Washington Grove Cemetery]

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